Bronx MC Greg Nice, most widely known for his work with late 80's/early 90's hip-hop duo Nice & Smooth, is back in action with the release of his solo debut, The Popcycle. The new LP boasts an old school hip hop feel, while bringing to the table (or should we say, turntable?) a fresh, contemporary edge. The Popcycle features appearances from Tony Yayo (G-Unit), Flavor Flav (Public Enemy), production work from Aaron LaCrate (Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, Lily Allen), Chew Fu (Rihanna), The Disco Fries (Flo Rida, Usher), DJ Serafin (Lil Jon) and DJ Mighty Mi (The High & Mighty, Cage).The Popcycle is available now from One Haven Music/Industry Rule 4080.

Reporting Live From The Streets Of Detroit, The Left Celebrate Album Release

The Song:

Detroit trio The Left, comprised of producer Apollo Brown, rapper Journalist 103, and DJ Soko, are celebrating the release of their debut album, Gas Mask, today with "Reporting Live," the first official release from the album featuring fellow Detroit wordsmith Guilty Simpson.

Apollo jumps things off with a soulful grittiness -- the track seamlessly mixes Apollo's vocal chops, horns, and heavy drums – and the instrumental serves as a perfect match for Journalist's own gravelly vocals, as he rhymes, "Reporting live from the gritty blocks of Rock City/ Forgotten sound of Motown produced by many/ Rappers come a dime a dozen, but not many/ Can carry the status of legends, I hope that y'all hear me." Guilty follows in step with his own verse ("Young killers take it in blood/ Dirt doers get wet up, then pigs come play in the mud"), and Detroit city imagery abounds as the two Rock City vets take you on a tour of their hometown.

The Left began as a simple phone conversation between two artists displaying mutual respect for each other's craft. Detroit staples Apollo Brown (Producer) and Journalist 103 (Emcee) turned the prospect of a couple random songs into an album considered by many tastemakers to be the best underground hip hop LP of 2010. Shortly after starting the album in early 2009, the duo brought in DJ Soko to provide cuts for the album and act as the official DJ for The Left's live performances. Gas Mask is indeed The Left's debut album, but the rookie producer Apollo Brown has certainly been accumulating accolades as of late. In 2008 he won the producer showcase at Scribble Jam. Then, in 2009, Apollo won the Detroit Red Bull Big Tune Championships and went on to the Atlanta Finals. In 2010 he signed with Mello Music Group and made waves with his scorching debut album, The Reset. Meanwhile, The Left's mic master, Journalist 103, is just as seasoned. Despite this being his first wide public display, he worked with the legendary Detroit emcee Proof of D12 before his passing.

HERE IS THE OFFICIAL J. CARDIM-APPROVED MIX OF JOE BUDDEN'S MOOD MUZIK 4 POSSE CUT. DUE TO SOME TIME CONSTRAINTS WE DIDN'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPROVE THE MIXES OF THE J. CARDIM-PRODUCED TRACKS ON MOOD MUZIK 4, THIS ONE IN PARTICULAR IS A TRACK WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WAS AVAILABLE AS IT WAS INTENDED TO SOUND. WE HAVE ALSO INCLUDED THE INSTRUMENTAL, GOOD RAPPERS ONLY PLEASE HAHA, SERIOUSLY THOUGH. NEXT WEEK WE WILL BE RELEASING THE CARDIM COLLECTION INSTRUMENTALS, 14 BEATS FROM THE JOE BUDDEN/J. CARDIM COLLABORATIONS!

Native Cali rapper, producer, and founder of the group Deep Rooted, Mr. Brady is back with his latest solo album, Labor Of Love. The album is exactly what its title implies; fifteen energized tracks delivering Brady's raw persona and featuring some of the best of what underground hip-hop has to offer. Part of what makes Labor of Love so special is Mr. Brady's personal touch as the album's main producer, "I usually do all my production myself," says Brady. "There was no big studio involved in this project at all. I wanted to let people know that you can make it happen with whatever you have." And make it happen Brady did, as Labor Of Love boasts appearances from Guilty Simpson, Blu, Diamond D, Exile, Aloe Blacc, Tajai of Souls Of Mischief, and more.

The album's lead single "Real Heavy," unleashed today to celebrate the release of his new album, Brady collaborates with prominent Detroit rapper Guilty Simpson and Johaz, who also happens to be a part of Brady's Deep Rooted crew. Mr. Brady considers the song a "classic joint;" a well orchestrated track of chopped up lo-fi samples pieced together with a raw lyrical vibe and a hard hitting beat. "Real Heavy" is exemplary of Mr. Brady's vision for the album: "I'ma keep it raw, soulful and give all of me with every track."

Hailing from San Diego, California, Mr. Brady is not new to the hip-hop game. Mr. Brady has worked with artists like Diamond D (producer of The Fugess and Mos Def), Killah Preist, Guilty Simpson, Blu, Evidence and more. He has toured around the globe including extended trips through Europe, Canada and the USA performing with such legends as Common, The Roots, Slum Village and Souls Of Mischief. After promoting himself and seeing his buzz-factor increase, Mr. Brady established the label Battle Axe Records in 1999. In 2003, Mr. Brady teamed up with the powerhouse group Deep Rooted, who signed to Clear Label Records. His latest solo album, Labor Of Love is available now.